Myths and Legends of the World

Sages

A sage is a wise or holy figure, often an older man, who possesses insight
or understanding beyond that of ordinary people. In myths and legends,
sages serve as guardians of special knowledge, helpers or advisers to
heroes, and examples of wisdom, virtue, and goodness.

Many mythical sages live in deep forests, on mountaintops, or in other
places that are withdrawn from the world. Some are divine beings or
demigods.
In Hindu religion and mythology wise and powerful sages are called
rishis.
The constellation of the Great Bear or Big Dipper in the night sky is
said to consist of the seven greatest
rishis.
Other sages appear in Hindu
epics.
According to tradition, a sage named Vyasa, who lived in forests and
caves around 1500
B.C.
, wrote the epic the
Mahabharata.

Other cultures also have legendary sages in groups of seven, which is
considered a sacred or lucky number in many traditions. In China, the
Seven Sages of the Bamboo Grove were poets and scholars who abandoned
court life for a country retreat. The Seven Sages of Greece were men noted
in the ancient Mediterranean world for their wisdom. Among them were a
scientist, a lawmaker, and several
patrons
of the arts.

demigod
one who is part human and part god

epic
long poem about legendary or historical heroes, written in a grand
style

patron
special guardian, protector, or supporter

Some legendary sages, such as King Solomon of ancient Israel, became known
for their teachings and wise decisions. Solomon's most famous judgment
involved two women, both claiming to be the mother of the same baby.
Solomon declared that he would settle the dispute by cutting the child in
two so that each woman could have half. When one woman offered to give up
her claim to spare the child, Solomon knew that she was the true mother.